22 YEARS OF CRAFT.
ONE STANDARD
OF EXCELLENCE.
TDT Construction was built on more than two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience in the East County construction industry. From the first nail to the final walkthrough, we've spent 22 years learning what it actually takes to deliver a project right — not just on paper, but in the real world, where timelines get tight, decisions get complicated, and the difference between a good contractor and a great one is how you handle it all.
We specialize in new home construction, custom builds, ADUs, and full-scale remodels across the East County area. Every project we take on — regardless of size — is held to the same standard: exceptional craftsmanship, honest communication, and a finished product your family will be proud of for decades to come.
TDT Construction is rooted in the East County community. We work in Santee, El Cajon, Alpine, Ramona, La Mesa, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, and the surrounding areas — and we take genuine pride in the neighborhoods we build in. These aren't just project addresses to us. They're the communities where our clients raise their families, where our crews live and work, and where our reputation is built one home at a time.
When you choose TDT, you're not hiring a faceless company. You're working with a local team that has a stake in this community — and every project we complete is proof of that commitment.
"We don't just build structures. We build trust."
Ready to start your project? Let's talk.
22+
Years in East County Construction
100%
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
1
Standard of Excellence — on Every Job
0
Surprises. That's the Promise.
Our Team
A Small Team. A High Bar.
Dustin Trotter
Dustin Trotter is a construction professional with over 22 years of hands-on experience — and deep roots in the Santee community he's spent his career building in. As the founder of TDT Construction and Trotter Door & Trim, Inc., he leads a team committed to delivering new builds, full-scale remodels, ADUs, and finish work that clients can be proud of for decades to come.
Dustin's background spans the full scope of residential construction — from carpentry, millwork, and finish carpentry to ground-up builds and large-scale project execution. That breadth matters. It means he doesn't just oversee projects from a distance; he understands every phase of the work, knows where problems hide before they surface, and brings practical solutions instead of guesswork to every job his team takes on.
His leadership style is straightforward: honest communication, transparent budgeting, and a commitment to doing things right the first time. Dustin built TDT around the belief that clients deserve to feel confident and informed at every stage of their project — not just at the kickoff meeting. That means realistic timelines, clear scope, and a team that's accountable from start to finish.
Raised in Santee and still based here, Dustin's investment in this community goes beyond the job sites. He's contributed to local initiatives and service organizations throughout his career, and he takes genuine pride in the neighborhoods TDT builds in. For Dustin, every project is more than a contract — it's another piece of the community he calls home.
Founder & Owner TDT Construction / Trotter Door & Trim, Inc
Lauren bachmann
Operations ManagerLauren Bachmann is the operational backbone of TDT Construction. As Operations & Client Experience Manager, she oversees the internal systems, client experience, and day-to-day coordination that keep every project running smoothly — from the first client conversation all the way through to completion. With over a decade of experience in construction coordination and operations, Lauren brings the kind of organized, detail-driven leadership that makes a real difference on complex jobs.
Her role sits at the intersection of people, process, and planning. Lauren builds and maintains the workflows and standard operating procedures that keep the TDT team operating efficiently, manages vendor and trade partner coordination, and guides clients through the selections and specifications process — helping them make confident choices on finishes, materials, and details that bring their vision to life. She's the person who makes sure nothing falls through the cracks — and that clients always know where things stand.
What makes Lauren particularly effective in this role is her ability to see both the big picture and the fine print simultaneously. Her approach is proactive, not reactive: she anticipates what's coming and builds the structure to handle it before it becomes a problem.
Rooted in the East County San Diego community, Lauren is committed to the same standard TDT holds on every project — that clients deserve clarity, confidence, and a team they can trust. Behind the scenes, she's the reason that standard is consistently met.
Jeremiah “JJ” Rey
When a TDT project hits the ground, JJ Rey is the person making sure it lands right. As Construction Manager, JJ brings over 20 years of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, HOA, and special projects to every job he oversees — along with a Construction degree, a California General Contractor license, and the kind of field-tested instincts that only come from two decades of doing the work.
JJ spent 10 of those years as a Construction Superintendent — a role that put him at the center of complex, multi-phase projects where timelines, budgets, and quality standards had to be held simultaneously, without compromise. That background is exactly what TDT clients benefit from today. JJ doesn't just manage schedules — he manages outcomes. He knows where projects go sideways before they do, and he has the experience to keep them on track when conditions change.
His specialty is residential construction and capital improvements, where attention to detail and accountability to the client are non-negotiable. JJ runs his jobs with a straightforward standard: quality materials, competitive execution, and a commitment to finishing what he starts — on time, on budget, and done right. For the tradespeople and vendors, he works alongside, JJ's reputation is built on professionalism and mutual respect. For clients, it's built on results.
At TDT, JJ is the link between Dustin's vision and what actually gets built. He carries the same values the company was founded on — craftsmanship, accountability, and trust — and delivers them on the ground, every single day.
Construction ManagerEvery Great Build Starts with a Conversation.
Share your vision with us and let's figure out how to bring it to life — the right way, on your timeline. Let's Talk